Our generation, mockingly has been called “Generation Why?” Personally, instead of laughing at that statement, it sparks a thought in my mind. Before most of our parents were born, the “Greatest Generation” was alive. This generation fought in numerous wars, stood up for equal rights, made changes to better the world and most of all set a foundation for the generations to come. Unfortunately, people will never be able to call us “The Greatest Generation.” Asking a girl to be in a relationship has become a “slide in the DMs,” a book can be taught using a film on Netflix instead of actually reading, a child spends their days scrolling through social media instead of working or going outside and participating in sports.
The lack of ambition and morals in our generation is upsetting. Throughout my life, many educators and other higher officials have told me “Hannah, you are an old soul in a young body.” I go to work almost 4 times a week for 46 hours after school. I believe it is important to work for things you want. It helps us to appreciate what we have, especially at my age. I believe that face to face communication is one of the most important things in life. It helps us to connect on a deeper emotional level rather than using emojis.I believe that a first date should be when you get to know a person, not when you “hook up.” There is so much more to a person than the physical features. I believe that school should be a place to learn, not a place to be criticized and judged. It is important to appreciate the education we are provided with, and focus on making ourselves better students rather than a better popularity level.
Most importantly, I believe there is a lot more to life than what many kids my age see. In the long run, no one is going to care what brand of clothes or shoes you wear. The boyfriend that “broke your heart” probably won’t even remember your name in five years. The grade you got on a math quiz, will not affect what kind of job you get. What truly matters, is the traits you develop and the character you chose to be. Qualities such as, passion, integrity, honesty, motivation and compassion have all been pushed aside just so he/she is popular and “fits in.” In my opinion, the personality choices and decisions a person makes now, will affect their well being in the long run. I think our generation has lost that mentality, making the previous generations worried for our well being. Although our generation has some of the most intelligent kids, the majority of us give up that gift for something else. Shaping yourself now to be a better individual in the future is so important and I hope that someday many of my peers will understand that.
Hannah Klippel
To read more of Hannah's work, please visit her website.
The lack of ambition and morals in our generation is upsetting. Throughout my life, many educators and other higher officials have told me “Hannah, you are an old soul in a young body.” I go to work almost 4 times a week for 46 hours after school. I believe it is important to work for things you want. It helps us to appreciate what we have, especially at my age. I believe that face to face communication is one of the most important things in life. It helps us to connect on a deeper emotional level rather than using emojis.I believe that a first date should be when you get to know a person, not when you “hook up.” There is so much more to a person than the physical features. I believe that school should be a place to learn, not a place to be criticized and judged. It is important to appreciate the education we are provided with, and focus on making ourselves better students rather than a better popularity level.
Most importantly, I believe there is a lot more to life than what many kids my age see. In the long run, no one is going to care what brand of clothes or shoes you wear. The boyfriend that “broke your heart” probably won’t even remember your name in five years. The grade you got on a math quiz, will not affect what kind of job you get. What truly matters, is the traits you develop and the character you chose to be. Qualities such as, passion, integrity, honesty, motivation and compassion have all been pushed aside just so he/she is popular and “fits in.” In my opinion, the personality choices and decisions a person makes now, will affect their well being in the long run. I think our generation has lost that mentality, making the previous generations worried for our well being. Although our generation has some of the most intelligent kids, the majority of us give up that gift for something else. Shaping yourself now to be a better individual in the future is so important and I hope that someday many of my peers will understand that.
Hannah Klippel
To read more of Hannah's work, please visit her website.